Packaging device

ABSTRACT

The packaging device contains a first frame member for wrapping a first edge of a frame, a second frame member for wrapping a second edge of the frame, at least a positioning opening configured in a middle section of each first and second frame member, and at least a plugging element configured at an end of each first and second frame member for joining with a positioning opening of another frame member. The frame members not only provide protection to the frame, but also help positioning the frame and maintaining a standard distance when the frame is hung.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to the packaging of paintings and pictures, and more particular to a packaging device that provides protection when a painting or picture is in transportation and positioning when the painting or picture is hung.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

Various kinds of paintings, for safe transportation and storage, are usually framed and the frames are often protected by corner protectors or protective wrappings using thick cardboard or Styrofoam.

When a painting is moved to the exhibition hall, museum, gallery, office, or household, the painting is usually hung on the wall along with its frame. To appropriately hang the painting, especially in an official place like exhibition hall or gallery, a ruler is required to control the painting's location, angle, distance, etc.

The conventional protection and positioning of the paintings have the following disadvantages.

Firstly, the protective wrapping usually get thrown away after use, which is quite a waste.

Secondly, some positioning means is required to hang the painting so as to achieve satisfactory visual appeal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore a novel packaging device is provided herein that provides protection when a painting or picture is in transportation and positioning when the painting or picture is hung.

A major objective of the present invention is to provide a first frame member and a second frame member for wrapping a frame's lateral edges and four corners altogether. The first and second frame members can also be joined together for adjusting the painting's location, angle, and distance.

The packaging device contains a first frame member for wrapping a first edge of a frame, a second frame member for wrapping a second edge of the frame, at least a positioning opening configured in a middle section of each first and second frame member, and at least a plugging element configured at an end of each first and second frame member for joining with a positioning opening of another frame member. With the first and second frame members, the frame's four corners and two opposing lateral edges are all housed inside the first and second frame members, and are protected from external impact or wear. To help positioning the frame when it is hung, the plugging element of the second frame member is plugged into the positioning opening of the first frame member, thereby forming an assembly with an included right angle. When the frame is hung, a corner of the frame is received in the right angle while two neighboring edges of the corner are against the frame member. The width of the first and second frame members also defines a standard distance. Therefore no additional tool or ruler is required.

The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram showing two frame members of a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top-view diagram showing an unfolded frame member of the packaging device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram showing the packaging device of FIG. 1 installed onto a frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram showing the details of a plugging element of the packaging device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram showing two frame members of the packaging device of FIG. 1 joined together for positioning a frame.

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram showing two frame members of the packaging device of FIG. 1 after they are joined together for positioning a frame.

FIG. 7 is a front-view diagram showing the packaging device of FIG. 1 in positioning a frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention contains the following components.

At least a first frame member 1 is for wrapping an edge of a frame of a painting or picture.

At least a second frame member 2 is for wrapping another edge of the frame.

At least a positioning opening 11 is configured in a middle section along a side of the first or second frame member 1 or 2.

At least a plugging element 21 is configured at an end of the first or second frame member 1 or 2 for joining with a positioning opening 11 of another frame member. After the first and second frame members 1 and 2 are joined perpendicularly by their respective positioning opening 11 and plugging element 21, they can be used to help positioning the painting or picture.

Each of the first and second frame member 1 and 2 contains at least a major face 3 that protects a front or back face of an edge of the frame. Each of the first and second frame members 1 and 2 can be unfolded into a flat piece 4.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, two pieces 4 are folded similarly into the first and second frame members 1 and 2. Each of the first and second frame members 1 and 2 has its plugging element 21 and the major face 3 jointly forming a space 5 for accommodating an edge of the frame. Therefore, with the first and second frame members 1 and 2, the frame's four corners and two opposing lateral edges are all housed inside the first and second frame members 1 and 2, and are protected from external impact or wear. The positioning openings 11 also provide auxiliary ventilation. Compared to the conventional triangular corner protectors, the present invention provides greater area of protection and more convenient installation.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, to help positioning the frame when it is hung, the plugging element 21 a of the second frame member 2 a is plugged into the positioning opening 11 a of the first frame member 1 a, thereby forming a T- or L-shaped assembly with an included angle θ between the first and second frame members 1 a and 2 a. Each of the first and second frame members 1 a and 2 a contains a supporting face 6 a between opposing major faces 3 a protecting a rim of the frame's edge. The angle θ is a right angle between the supporting faces 6 a of the first and second frame members la and 2 a. When the frame is hung, a corner of the frame is received in the angle θ while two neighboring edges of the corner are against the supporting faces 6 a. Please note that each supporting face 6 a has a width larger than a thickness of the frame, and is therefore more convenient than an ordinary ruler. In addition, each major face 3 has a width in accordance with a standard gap distance adopted by galleries. For example, in United States, the standard gap distance is 2 inches. In other words, the assembly formed by the first and second frame members 1 a and 2 a defines three separate areas: one for the current frame, and two additional areas A and B for hanging other frames. The gaps between the three frames all conform to the standard distance.

Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages.

Firstly, the frame members not only provide protection to a frame, but also help positioning the frame when it is hung.

Secondly, the assembly of the packaging device is simple and convenient, and the packaging device also provides a reference for maintaining a standard distance among frames.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the claims of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A packaging device for a frame of a painting or picture comprising: at least a first frame member for wrapping a first edge of the frame; at least a second frame member for wrapping a second edge opposing the first edge of the frame; at least a positioning opening configured in a middle section along a side of each first and second frame member; and at least a plugging element configured at an end of each first and second frame member for joining with a positioning opening of another frame member; wherein, after the first and second frame members are joined by their respective positioning opening and plugging element, an assembly formed by the first and second frame members is used to help positioning the frame.
 2. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein each frame member comprises at least a major face protecting a front or back face of an edge of the frame.
 3. The packaging device according to claim 2, wherein each frame member comprises a supporting face between two opposing major faces protecting a rim of the edge of the frame.
 4. The packaging device according to claim 3, wherein each supporting face has a width larger than a thickness of the frame.
 5. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein each frame member is unfolded into a flat piece.
 6. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein, after the plugging element of the second frame member is plugged into a positioning opening of the first frame member, an included angle is formed between the first and second frame member.
 7. The packaging device according to claim 6, wherein the included angle is a right angle. 